Copernicus Data in Sustainable Development Goals using Image Maps

Sushmita SUBEDI

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The main goal of the thesis is to design and compile a set of image maps from the data of the Copernicus project and thereby demonstrate the applicability of satellite data to support solutions to the selected Sustainable Development Goals. The research allows to enhance the accessibility, availability, and utilization of Copernicus as a free and open-source earth observation data, with a view to foster sustainability at a planetary level. 15 most relevant SDG indicators were mapped using the datasets from five Copernicus Services using two different prototypes of thematic image maps. The resulting image maps were transformed into a set of information products in five different cartographic formats following a unique concept of geovisualization whereby each form of visualization was oriented towards a specific purpose and target audience. Multidimensional analysis of Copernicus data facilitated in detecting meaningful trends, patterns and interlinks that occurred in the datasets. Overall, the thesis offers a holistic approach in integrating earth observation and cartography for managing the SDGs. The research outcomes serve to assist the policy makers in informed decision making and effective policy formulation with a rationale that an incremental progress towards the SDG targets will be achieved in due course.

Abstract:

The main goal of the thesis is to design and compile a set of image maps from the data of the Copernicus project and thereby demonstrate the applicability of satellite data to support solutions to the selected Sustainable Development Goals. The research allows to enhance the accessibility, availability, and utilization of Copernicus as a free and open-source earth observation data, with a view to foster sustainability at a planetary level. 15 most relevant SDG indicators were mapped using the datasets from five Copernicus Services using two different prototypes of thematic image maps. The resulting image maps were transformed into a set of information products in five different cartographic formats following a unique concept of geovisualization whereby each form of visualization was oriented towards a specific purpose and target audience. Multidimensional analysis of Copernicus data facilitated in detecting meaningful trends, patterns and interlinks that occurred in the datasets. Overall, the thesis offers a holistic approach in integrating earth observation and cartography for managing the SDGs. The research outcomes serve to assist the policy makers in informed decision making and effective policy formulation with a rationale that an incremental progress towards the SDG targets will be achieved in due course.

Keywords

Cartography, Earth Observation, Geovisualization, Multidimensional Analysis, GIS

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 25. 5. 2023

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: prof. RNDr. Vít Voženílek, CSc.

Palacký University Olomouc

Faculty of Science

Master programme / field:
Geoinformatics and Cartography / Geoinformatics and Cartography